Snacks! bodega to open on Ballard Ave.

Posted by Geeky Swedes on June 8th, 2009

Down at the end of the parking lot just outside King’s Hardware on Ballard Ave. sits a new little market called Snacks!
Snacks! is the brainchild of Ballard’s hot dog king, Dante Rivera. He says to think of this as a high-end 7-11. He’s planning to sell grocery staples, he’ll give vendors from the Farmers Market a space to sell their wares and of course he’ll be selling his famous hot dogs.
Dante has some fun new ideas for the dogs. He’s going to ship chili in from his home town of Detroit for the Coney dog and he’s created a “Chilly Dog” that is a hot dog bun with soft serve ice cream, his idea of an ice cream sandwich (served with a spork.) He tells us that a portion of all the proceeds will go to a non-profit here in Ballard, “When you’re making a purchase here you’re supporting your community.” The grand opening for Snacks! is next Monday, June 15th. The hours will be Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Not to worry, his hot dog carts aren’t going anywhere. (Disclosure: Dante advertises on MyBallard.)

It's a very cool concept and it's great that he's giving back some of his money. That said, the store looks pretty spartan. That minimalist look can work when you're selling iPods or designer clothes but grocers/convenience stores operate on razor thin margins, usually 1-5%. There's a reason why places like Ballard Market, QFC, 7-Eleven, etc., are all packed to the gills with product. On top of that he doesn't appear to be selling alcohol or tobacco which make up 40% of most convenience store sales.

If he wants to really embrace the bodega concept he should add a well-stocked magazine stand (maybe take some cues from Fog City News in SF) and a nice selection of baked goods.

Also not sure of the store placement. Successful bodega's are usually located on corners near large apartment buildings with convenience being the primary selling point. This store is located in a shopping district that's at least a block from any large condo/apartment buildings.

Again, I really do hope he succeeds though he seems to be going very much against the proven model.

Selling magazines is definitely not a profitable venture. And, I'm sure he will never sell alcohol and almost as sure he'll never sell tobacco. If a store can succeed on personality and hot dogs, Dante's certainly will, but I definitely agree that baked goods won't hurt. The idea of adding wares from the Sunday Ballard Market that will be available during the week (think nonperishables) is pretty smart.

There are two 7 11 's within walking distance of each other (Market & 24th). You can also get your Twinkies at Tobacco Plus on 60th & 15th, two blocks from an AM/PM. The working stiffs will be just fine.

Sounds like a good idea but I just hope there is a bathroom available to customers. When I'm out on a long walk thru the 'hood, a food venue with a no-hassle bathroom determines where I stop for a break. Btw, I hate hot dogs but bagel chips and seltzer are always a nice little snack.

Hattie's Hat and the People's Pub are both hassle free bathroom experiences. And they both have pretty good lunch menus. Though, I think People's Pub doesn't open before 3:00. But I echo your concern. My bladder is squished into a 4'10 frame so I had to become an expert in public restrooms. If Dante has any compassion he'll have a customer access restroom.

Dante is the coolest and I can say this as someone who has known him forever!!!We're so proud of him and wish him more success at this new venture then even he can imagine!God bless you BIG!Aunt Wendy and Uncle Glenn

Dante,As fellow business owners we know how much hard work has went into this! Good for you! We are praying for your success and wish you all the best. Sorry we can't be there to see the grand opening, but you can bet the next time we come to Seattle, we will be hunting down your stripped umbrella at 2am just like we did last time. Sending you lots of love from Shelby Michigan

I stopped in here last night. Super friendly, super convenient — he's got some metal railing out front and he doesn't mind if you lock your bike up to it (though he warns that that could be a bad idea at night on the weekends). I can't wait to see the stock that he settles on!

This we know! We recognize that it is super hot inside Ballard's new bodega, that's why we'd like to offer you a *COOL TREAT* while you shop at Snacks!

We have tasty Otter Pops and Soft Serve cones to offer you (yes, FREE!) while we work to get the store cooled down. We appreciate everyone's patience with the heat in our store. Please know that we're doing everything we're able to cool it down in there to make shopping at Snacks! more comfortable.